Engine Cranks But No Start – Ignition, Fuel, Compression Are Good

When your engine cranks but, no start. It usually means your engine is having trouble, producing a spark, getting fuel, or creating compression.

But, what if, ignition, fuel, and compression were all checked and are all working good.

When your engine cranks but no start, it can be difficult to fix, if you don’t know where to begin troubleshooting.

So, what can you do, when your engine cranks but no start. It was easy to find the problem in the old days, when engines were very basic. In today’s vehicles there are tons of sensor, relays, modules and computers. Each one has to be working properly and be able to do its job.

Many of these components talk to each other, sending information back and forth. So, if one fails it can affect others, making it even harder to find the real problem. And, sometimes your engine turns over but, just will not start.

Computers in modern vehicles monitor many of these components and can set trouble codes when problems arise. So, your first check is to confirm any engine codes.

Faults in other systems, not just ignition, fuel, or compression problems, can stop your engine from starting. A system component itself may be faulty, or there may be a problem with it’s wire connector or harness.

Sometimes you will need to dig a little deeper, in your diagnostic testing to find the problem.

Other things to check that may be causing your engine cranks but no start problem:

Fuses – Relays

Checking fuses and relays is easy to do. And, can be done in just a few minutes using a test light. Fuses and relays fatigue causing them to blow; which will cut electrical current to crucial components. It is also possible to cause a engine cranks but fails to start issue. So, the power center is located in the engine compartment. It is usually a large rectangular plastic box with a removable cover. If you can’t find it, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for its location.

Engine Cranks But No Start – Alarm – Security System

When cranking the engine over, does the security light flash? Each manufacturer disables the engine in different ways when in security mode. Occasionally the system will become confused, due to a glitch or procedural error; meaning the alarm system must be reset. As a result, your engine cranks, but fails to start.

(EGR) Valve

The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, introduces a measured amount of exhaust gases; into the intake manifold to get re-burned. This helps lower engine temperature and harmful emissions. But, the valve can fail and stick either open or closed. When the valve sticks open, it may prevent your engine from starting. Other symptoms of a stuck-open (EGR) valve include rough idle and stalling.

Cold Start Injector

Some vehicle models use a cold-start injector. It operates as a regular injector, but only works when the engine is cold. The injector may have its own thermo switch or; may be commanded by the system control module. If either the switch or the computer circuit fails; you may have a hard time starting the engine when cold.

Also, for a engine cranks but no start problem, consider checking the exhaust system.

Engine exhaust must be able to be relieved from the engine to allow it to run. If there is an obstruction, such as a catalytic converter that has broken and plugged the exhaust system; no exhaust gasses will be able to exit the engine.

(MAP) Sensor

The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor; is used by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for engine load input. The (PCM) uses this input, as well as others. Consequently, to calculate the correct amount of fuel to inject into the cylinders. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, compares the barometric (atmospheric) pressure to the intake manifold vacuum. So, when the sensor fails, it can prevent your engine from starting.

(MAF) Sensor

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tells the computer, the amount (the density) of the air entering the engine. A common (MAF) problem is dirt or foreign matter blocking the sensing element; preventing the sensor from working. Or the sensor itself may fail after miles of service. You may be able to clean and test the sensor at home.

Engine Cranks But No Start – (ECT) Sensor

The computer uses the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor to know how much fuel the engine needs. Also, when to enter closed loop operation (that is, when the engine has reached operating temperature). A bad (ECT) sensor can upset ignition timing, or the operation of the transmission or cooling fan.

Canister Vent Valve

The canister vent valve, is part of the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system. The (EVAP) system temporarily stores harmful fuel vapors into a canister; to prevent their release into the atmosphere. When conditions are appropriate; the computer routes the fuel vapors out of the canister through a canister vent valve. And, into the intake manifold for burning. A faulty valve, though, can prevent the engine from starting.

(TPS) Sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) monitors the position of the throttle valve. It sends a voltage signal to the computer. The computer uses this information, to regulate the air-fuel mixture according to engine needs. On some vehicle models, a worn out; failing or bad (TPS) will prevent your engine from starting at all.

Vacuum Leaks

So, vacuum leaks are not uncommon. And, they are the source of many engine performance problems. Depending on where the fault is located, vacuum leaks can be hard to find.

But, Major vacuum leaks that can make the engine hard to start may happen in the:

• Power booster vacuum hose
• (EGR) valve
• Blown head
• Leaking intake manifold gasket

Carburetor

If you have an old vehicle model with a carburetor; double check that the fuel level is properly adjusted. If the carburetor is flooded, you’ll probably perceive a strong fuel odor under the hood. A little trick you can use is to fully depress the accelerator and try to start the engine. Finally, if the engine doesn’t start, wait for a few minutes and try again.